unused engine port

[CWilliamson]

I just bought a '79 XS1100 special with 20K miles on it. after bringing it home I noticed that there is oil dripping from a port on the front of the engine towards the top. This doesn't appear to be used for anything. Might it be a port for a oil cooler? Can Ii just loosen it, clean it up and reseat it to stop the leak?

Thanks,
Clark

[Ken Talbot]

Any chance you're looking at the cam chain slack adjuster? See part number 8 in this microfiche view ?

[CWilliamson]

that might be it

Does that sit between the center two headers? If that is it should it be leaking? How do I resolve it?

[fxrer]

Yes, the cam chain tensioner is between the center two exhaust pipes, just below the cyclinder head gasket.

No it should not be leaking. There is another ongoing thread (problem #2 by Pain) about this same problem. Also, do search (left column) and you'll see lots of other threads on this subject.

There is a plug at the end of the tensioner which often pops out or leaks. It is a press fit. Seal with RTV or similar to stop the leak.

Again, do a search.

[CWilliamson]

I see the similarity now

Since I didn't know what the component that was leaking was called I didn't know. Sorry. On the XS850 the tensioner is on the back side of the engine and doesn't look like the one on the XS1100 so I didn't connec the two in the other threads. I'll pull the plug, add sealent and put it back.

Thanks again,
Clark